HMX Lotus vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the HMX Lotus and Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both provide a medium weight feel for a satisfying typing experience. The Lotus switches offer a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feeling with a 50g bottom out, making each keystroke delightful. On the other hand, the Neo White switches stand out with their slightly reduced total travel and the rare use of a Ly stem for a smooth actuation, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While the Lotus switches offer a more bouncy feel, the Neo White switches provide a smoother actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Haimu Neo White switches provide different sound profiles and typing experiences due to their unique properties. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials are classic switch housing options, they provide distinct typing sensations and auditory feedback for users.
Furthermore, the bottom housings of the Lotus and Neo White switches also play a significant role in the overall typing experience. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing sensation and sound when pressing down on the keys. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
In situations where the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, users can expect distinct tactile and auditory responses based on the material properties of each housing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the two housings allows for a nuanced typing experience that considers both the pressing and releasing of keys. Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly influence the sound profile, typing sensation, and overall user experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 45 grams, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch does not specify an actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, while the Neo White requires 58 grams. The Lotus is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Neo White, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Neo White, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier typing feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them ideal for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but some may find the Neo White to have a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to enjoy a responsive keypress without sacrificing key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The HMX Lotus linear switch is best known for its bright, resonant sound and super bouncy feeling, making every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out with its slightly reduced total travel and smooth actuation, offering a distinctive and satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Lotus switch provides a unique sound experience, while the Neo White switch is more neutral with a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch offers a specific feel that is not mentioned, while the Neo White switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Overall, both switches offer a medium weight and a smooth typing experience, but they differ in sound profile and feel. Depending on personal preferences, either switch could provide a great typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a light and bouncy typing experience with a bright sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch with its 50g bottom out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a smooth and satisfying actuation, the Haimu Neo White linear switch with its 58g bottom out force would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal typing style and needs.
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